Are Playgrounds Really Necessary?
Why do we need to spend money on community playgrounds when we can let kids exercise at home? Are the home movement based activities not enough?
Today we have a different definition of exercise, especially for children. I heard a mother once say ‘ my kid walks to school every day, that’s enough.’ Well, unfortunately, this is such a wrong concept; children need appropriate exercise that can only be derived from ample outdoor activity. ‘But my son gets ample movement based activity throughout the day!’ Walking to school, or walking from school to home is not exactly exercise or even a movement based activity. In this post, I intend to highlight the importance of playgrounds and movement based activity that can only be derived through playgrounds.
What Exactly is Movement Based Activity?
Movement based activity is best defined as a set of activities that involve active play, unstructured play and structured play activities. These activities could involve commercial playground equipment or other similar play structures that significantly contribute towards both physical and cognitive health of the child. The movement based activities should involve an intensive workout that get their (kids) hearts pumping and their brain racing.
A movement based activity refines a child’s physical strength and gives way to creativity that is impossible to garner any other way.
So are Playgrounds Necessary?
The simple answer is yes! We do need playgrounds, and we do need improved community playgrounds and outdoor playground equipment. Today. Our community playgrounds are nothing less of a junk yard with outdated playground equipment and not so safe play environment for children of all age groups. Playgrounds need to define the space for toddlers and high schoolers. Little children cannot be part of a play activity in a playground due to injury hazards. Which is why it is crucial that the little children have their own space with age-appropriate playground equipment.
Playgrounds offer myriad benefits to children. Physical and cognitive benefits offered by playgrounds allow children to have unlimited and significant benefits that will pay off well today and later in life. According to various studies, playground activity plays a significant role in developing children’s capabilities for academic success. The capacities developed through active play nourish their personalities that contributes towards a stronger self esteem and self confidence (attributes that cannot be taught in class.)
What can we do? We can’t go out there and build new community playgrounds, but we can improve our current playgrounds with a little help from our community. Involve your children and neighbors and create a community playground clean up project. With the help of volunteers, you will be able to get a lot done in a very little time, and before you know it, you will have a perfect space for your children near your residential area.
How do you make sure that your child is getting ample movement based activity? Does your child participate in real outdoor play activities that involve complex playground equipment? Share your opinion with us through our comment section below, and let us know what you think.